Our new handcrafted charcuterie set began as a few sketches in North Carolina and became a coordinated collection of wooden serving utensils carved by our artisan partners in Rwanda. Here is the behind-the-scenes story of how it came together, and how to care for your pieces so they last for years.

From a Simple Idea to a Coordinated Collection

We’ve had beautiful handcrafted wooden charcuterie boards in our collection for years, including one of our customer favorites, the Hand Carved Mason Mini Charcuterie and Serving Board. Its rich grain and smooth finish make it perfect for cheeses, breads, or even as a decorative piece on your counter.

But I kept thinking, wouldn’t it be great to have coordinating utensils to go with it? That thought is what sparked this new collection. I’m based in North Carolina, but that didn’t stop us from designing something new with our artisan partners in Rwanda. I sketched out a few basic designs and sent them over, and that’s where the fun began.

Designing With a Purpose

We already had a wooden honey dipper we loved. A few simple tweaks to the handle tied it visually to the boards, giving the whole collection a cohesive look.

Next came the Everyday Spoon, perfect for serving jam, and when you’re not using it on your wooden charcuterie board, it doubles as a coffee spoon. We love designing artisan kitchen tools that do more than one job.

Then we created the Small Wooden Nibble Spoon with a wider base, making it ideal for scooping nuts, olives, or anything bite-sized you want to serve.

The Cheese Spreader Challenge

The wooden cheese spreader was the tough one. We couldn’t quite get the blade shape right. That’s when Emmanuel, one of the carvers, stepped into the workshop and started making adjustments in real time. Christi, our co-founder, sent me WhatsApp videos of the changes. I’d give feedback, Emmanuel would adjust, and we went back and forth until it finally clicked.

When Christi sent me a photo of her and Emmanuel holding the finished piece, I knew we had something special, a fair trade serving piece made with precision, patience, and a whole lot of teamwork.

Why We Create With Artisans in Rwanda

Working with artisans in Rwanda means every purchase supports dignified jobs, fair wages, and skills development. Our carving partners use locally sourced wood, and each piece is made by hand using traditional techniques passed down through generations. For them, every order means steady work, which allows them to provide for their families and invest in their communities. It is what makes this collection a true fair trade kitchen upgrade.

How to Care for Your Wooden Utensils

Wondering how to care for wooden utensils so they stay beautiful? Follow these four simple steps:

• Hand wash with mild soap and warm water
• Dry immediately after washing
• Every few months, rub with food-safe mineral oil or beeswax to maintain the wood’s natural luster.
• Avoid soaking or putting them in the dishwasher to prevent drying or cracking.

Bringing the Collection to You

Right now, our artisan partners in Rwanda are carving the full collection. It will be ready just in time for your Christmas shopping in November. You’ll be able to purchase the full set or choose just the pieces you love. In the meantime, our current collection is filled with handcrafted, fair trade serving pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful.